Key to Second Deposit Written Statement text - Added text and deleted text

PART l CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

Page 1

1.1	How Does Planning Affect You?	2
1.2	The UDP Review Process	3
1.3	Implications of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill	4
1.4	How to Use the Plan	4
1.5	Sustainability and Equality Appraisal	5
1.6	Statement of Community Involvement	5
1.7	Supplementary Planning Guidance	6
1.8	Technical Background Papers	7
1.9	National Context	7
1.9.2	PPG1: General Policy and Principles	7
1.9.3	PPG3: Housing	7
1.9.5	PPG6: Town Centres and Retail Development	7
1.9.7	PPG13: Transport	8
1.9.9	Urban White Paper	8

1.10	Regional and Sub-Regional Context 8	8
1.10.1	Regional Planning Guidance for the West Midlands	8
1.10.6	Regional Planning Guidance Review	9
1.10.7	Regional Economic Strategy	10
1.10.10	The West Midlands Local Transport Plan	10
1.10.13	The West Midlands Area Multi Modal Study and Regional Transport Strategy	11
1.10.14	Black Country and Environs Regeneration and Accessibility Study	11

1.11	Local Context	11
1.11.2	The Council's Corporate Plan	12
1.11.3	The Wolverhampton Community Plan (2002-2012)	12
1.11.7	Local Agenda 21 Strategy	12
1.11.9	Wolverhampton Regeneration Strategy	13
1.11.13	Housing Strategy	13
1.11.17	Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy	14
1.11.21	Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy (2002-2005)	15
1.11.24	The Council's Equality Scheme	16
1.11.27	Cultural Strategy	16
1.11.33	Tourism Strategy	17

Page 2

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.1 How Does Planning Affect You?

1.1.2

What is "planning"? Put simply, planning is the management of physical development and the use of land in the public interest.

Planning:

Guides development to the most appropriate locations
Helps to protect and improve the environment and local amenity
Assists regeneration and development investment
Includes transportation proposals
Works in the public interest
Affects everyone

1.1.3

The planning system exists to protect and enhance the natural, historic and built environment, whilst trying to ensure that the right amount of housing, jobs, shops and other facilities are provided in the right locations. Planning therefore affects everyone's daily life to some degree or other. Most people and businesses become involved with planning when they make a planning application to, say, extend their house or factory or when a development proposal affects their home or neighbourhood.

1.1.4

Development covers many different changes in the use of land, including the reuse of derelict land, building on new sites, building more on existing sites, extending existing buildings, changing the use of land and buildings and new advertisements.

1.1.5

Wolverhampton is covered by an existing plan called the Unitary Development Plan (or UDP / the Plan for short). This was adopted in 1993 and runs until 2001. The UDP is a statutory document produced by the City Council in consultation and participation with other organisations and local people. It must be generally consistent with guidance issued by central government, through for example Regional Planning and other policy guidance. The plan also has to be monitored and reviewed in order to keep it up-to-date.

1.1.6

This UDP is the second development plan produced for Wolverhampton and replaces the previous one adopted in 1993. The Plan covers the period up to 2011, in accordance with Regional Planning Guidance timescales. The Plan is prepared under Part One of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and consists of the written statement, a City-wide Proposals Map and inset maps for Wolverhampton City Centre, Bilston and Wednesfield centres. The Written Statement comprises two parts. Part I contains strategic objectives and policies and Part II contains detailed policies and proposals. Also accompanying the Plan is a Sustainability and Equality Appraisal (see 1.5) and a Statement of Community Involvement (see 1.6).

1.1.7

The Plan contains policies and proposals for the physical development and use of land, including measures for the protection and improvement of the environment, managing the impact of traffic and public transport proposals. The Plan takes into account a range of environment, social and economic factors, but only includes policies and proposals that are related to land use and development considerations.

1.1.8

The UDP is used by the City Council in reaching decisions on planning applications and proposals - section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires that decisions should be in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

Page 3

1.1.9

The UDP is long term in nature but forms the basis in the short to medium term for the promotion of investment and job creation, environmental and social improvements and the day-to-day control of development through the City Council determining planning applications.

1.1.10

Local Government boundary changes occurred in 1994 following the adoption of the existing UDP. Those areas that came into Wolverhampton at this time have been included and are covered by the Plan's policies and proposals.

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.2 The UDP Review Process

1.2.1

As part of the UDP review process, the Council has published for consultation two three review documents. The first, a "Discussion Document" (May 1997) sought views on the main issues which the review of the Plan would need to address. The second, a "Draft Strategy Statement" (October 1999), set out the strategic framework and policy directions within which the review was to be undertaken. A summary of this Statement was also published in January 2000. The responses to both of these documents were have been used to inform the new Plan. The This First Deposit Plan published in March 2003 will be subject to extensive consultation was placed on deposit in April 2003 for a period of 6 weeks to provide the opportunity for residents, businesses, voluntary and community organisations and other agencies to consider the contents of the Plan and to make representations to the Council. Negotiations then took place on the representations made, in an attempt to secure the withdrawal of objections. The changes made to the Plan in response to objections are set out in this Revised Deposit Plan. This Plan will be made publicly available for 6 weeks for objections and supporting statements to be made, but only on the changes made to the First Deposit Plan. The Plan will then be taken through its different the following stages to adoption as prescribed in the 1999 Development Plan regulations. This will consist of the following process: (1)

Deposit

The plan will be placed on deposit for a period of 6 weeks to provide the opportunity for residents, businesses, voluntary and community organisations and other agencies to consider the contents of the plan and to support, object or to make other representations, in writing, to the Council.

Consideration of representations

Negotiations will then take place on the representations made, in an attempt to secure the withdrawal of objections.

Revised Deposit

Changes will be made to the Plan to take into account representations and these will be included in a revised deposit plan. This will be made publicly available for a period of 6 weeks for objections and supporting statements to be made, but only on the changes made to the first deposit plan. (1)

Public Inquiry

Objections which are not withdrawn, from both stages, will be considered at a Local Public Inquiry, conducted by an independent Inspector.

Inspectors report

The inspector will then produce a report, with recommendations to the Council on how to treat the objections considered at the Inquiry.
The inspector's report will be published and made available for inspection.

Modifications

The City Council will then consider the report and if necessary make modifications to the plan and allow a further period of consultation.

Adoption

If no further Public Inquiry is required, the Plan will be adopted by the City Council.

Page 4

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.3 Implications of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill

1.3.1

The government are proposing some major changes to the planning process which have been outlined in a Green Paper - "Planning: Delivering a Fundamental Change", published in December 2001. This may have an impact on this UDP review and its timetable and content, depending on government legislation and commencement of any new development plan procedures. (2)

1.3.2 1

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill was introduced in Parliament on 4 December 2002. This Bill will take forward proposals for reform of the planning system set out in the Green Paper "Planning: delivering a fundamental change" (December 2001), the Planning Policy Statement "Sustainable communities - Delivering through Planning" (July 2002) and "Making the System Work Better - Planning at Regional and Local Levels" (August 2002). Part 2 of the Bill provides for the preparation of "Local Development Documents" (LDD's), the constituent parts of the Local Development Framework (LDF). These will replace Unitary Development Plans. New legislation will be required, but in the meantime the On 13 October 2003, a series of draft documents were published to accompany the Planning Bill, including Planning Policy Statement 12, which sets out formal Government policy on the preparations of LDD's. The Government is stressing the importance of continuing with development plan preparation, and suggests that many of the principles that will underpin LDF's can be acted upon under the current system. (2)

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.4 How to use the Plan

1.4.1

The Plan is laid out as follows:

Part I: Chapters 1, 2 and 3

Outlines the national, regional and local context within which the Plan has been formulated and developed, including links to other important documents such as the Community Plan.
Sets out the Plan's Vision, Objectives and Guiding Principles
Details the Development Framework or Spatial Strategy for the Plan area.
Includes a series of Strategic Policies to provide a framework for the detailed Part II policies and proposals.
Sets out how the Council intends to implement, monitor and review the Plan.

Part II: Chapters 4 to 16

This is the largest part of the Plan and includes a series of detailed policies under various topic headings such as Housing, Business and Industry, Design, Historic Environment, the City Centre, etc.
It has details of specific proposals, which are also shown on the City-wide proposals map and inset maps for Wolverhampton City Centre and Bilston and Wednesfield Town Centres. These maps would be the first place to look for any specific proposals and for the boundaries of particular areas, such as the Green Belt, new housing sites, Defined Employment Areas, Conservation Areas, Recreational Open Space, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, Local Centres, etc. Each proposal shown, either site specific or area based, has a reference linking it to a policy or policies within the Written Statement.

Page 5

1.4.2

Both Part I policies and Part II policies and proposals are used to inform decisions on planning applications and development proposals.

1.4.3

It is important that users of the Plan, in most circumstances, do not rely on just one particular policy. When considering, for example, a proposal for new housing development, policies in the Part II Housing Chapter should be referred to first, followed by other relevant policies such as those dealing with design, open space, access, etc. Reference should also be made to the Proposals Map or Inset Maps, any applicable Supplementary Planning Guidance notes and Development Briefs and, where necessary, government planning guidance.

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.5 Sustainability and Equality Appraisal

1.5.1

An important part of the Plan preparation process has been to check the policies and proposals to ensure they help in moving the City towards a more sustainable and equitable future. As changes have been made to existing policies and new policies introduced consideration has been given to their impact on sustainability and equality principles. A separate Sustainability and Equality Appraisal report has been published, to accompany the First Deposit Plan, with a supplementary report covering the Revised Deposit Plan changes., which These reports will provide the basis for future monitoring, together with specific indicators and targets that are set out in Chapter 3. (3)

1.5.2

The report satisfies the requirements of the Development Plan Regulations (1999), the Race Relations (Amendment) Act (2000), other equality legislation, and the Crime and Disorder Act (1998). By assessing the UDP in terms of equality and crime and disorder issues, the appraisal is wider in scope than would be required by the Development Plan Regulations alone, reflecting the importance of these issues to the Council and local people in the review of the UDP.

1.5.3

The appraisal assesses the impact of the Plan on three 'strategic assets': 'Environment', 'People and Society' and 'Economic Wellbeing'. For each asset a series of objectives are identified which set out how the Plan can contribute towards promoting sustainable development, equality and the reduction of crime and disorder.

1.5.4

The appraisal adopts a two stage process. Stage one assesses the scope of Plan policies and proposals against the range of objectives identified. Stage two assesses each policy and proposal in the UDP against the objectives to determine whether individually and cumulatively the UDP contributes towards protecting and enhancing the strategic assets and whether policies should be amended or in some cases replaced.

1.5.5

In summary, the appraisal shows that the Plan adopts a balanced and positive approach to sustainability and equality. In terms of equality issues, the Plan is strongly supportive of the Council's Equality Scheme and the requirements of the Race Relations Act 2000, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The impact of the Plan upon crime and disorder issues is also strongly positive.

Page 6

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.6 Statement of Community Involvement

1.6.1

Section 21 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Plan) (England) Regulations 1999 and paragraph 2.11 of PPG12 (1999) require the Council to prepare a statement outlining:
(a) steps the Council has taken during the UDP Review to:

publicise the matters to be dealt with in the Plan;

provide opportunities for people to make representations; and

consult relevant organisations and persons.

(b) steps the Council intends to take to publicise and consult on the Plan during the adoption process and provide persons with an opportunity of making representations in respect of the Plan.

1.6.2

The Statement of Community Involvement which accompanies this Plan fulfils these requirements but also seeks to address some of the requirements emerging from the review of the planning system (see 1.3). One of the principles of the review is promoting more effective community involvement in the planning system and decision-making processes. To ensure this is achieved, it is proposed that a clear statement of community involvement should form part of the LDF, clearly setting out:

The arrangements and standards to be achieved in involving the community in the continuing review of all parts of the LDF and in significant development control decisions;
The standards for good practice in engaging those with an interest in proposed development;
Simple and clear guidelines that will enable the community to know with confidence when and how it will be consulted, by the developer at pre-application stage and the LPA in relation to planning applications; and
A benchmark for applicants for planning permission about what is expected of them.

1.6.3

Government also advises that current development plan reviews should make explicit links between the Development Plan and the Community Plan, and that development plan policies should take into account the land use consequences of other policies and programmes relevant to the Community Plan (e.g. education, health, sustainability) and assist in their delivery. Greater emphasis has also been placed on monitoring and review, with annual reports to be submitted to the Secretary of State.

1.6.4

More detailed Central Government guidance is not available at present. However, the The Statement of Community Involvement attempts to address a number of these issues and will be reviewed and amended in the light of further Central Government guidance. (4)

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.7 Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPGs)

1.7.1

Supplementary Planning Guidance is prepared and published to provide more detailed planning guidance for local people, developers and other agencies on individual topics, areas, sites or buildings. SPGs are based on existing UDP policies and proposals and sometimes provide a mechanism to update the planning policy framework. Supplementary Planning Guidance does not form part of the Plan, although it is a material consideration in determining planning applications. Since the existing UDP was adopted in 1993 the City Council has published nine topic SPG's, two area based frameworks, over twenty Development Briefs for major sites and a Master Plan for the Bilston Urban Village area. An Action Plan for the City Centre was approved in 1995 and is under review. A Bilston Town Centre Regeneration Strategy has been prepared and over the Plan period other area-based Action Plans will be produced, the first being a Master Plan including those for the All Saints and Blakenhall Community Development New Deal for Communities area. A list of current SPGs is provided at Appendix 1. (5)

Page 7

1.7.2

SPGs are prepared in draft form and approved in principle by the City Council for public consultation purposes. Following consultation, responses are considered by the relevant Committee or Cabinet Team, amendments made and the final guidance agreed and issued. The City Council is committed to a proper process of consultation in the preparation of additional guidance in accordance with best practise and national planning guidance. Existing SPGs will be reviewed and new ones produced as the need arises.

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.8 Technical Background Papers

1.8.1

A number of technical background papers have been produced on selected topic areas, namely Housing; Urban Housing Capacity Study; Business & Industry; Green Belt and Shopping and the Role of Centres. These explain in more detail how the policies and proposals in the Plan have been developed and include information which would not be appropriate to include within the Plan itself.

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.9 National Context

1.9.1

Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning. The content of PPGs has been taken into account in reviewing the Wolverhampton UDP. A number of PPGs deal with specific planning topics, for example Nature Conservation, Archaeology, Open Space, Sport and Recreation and Noise. Reference to these is made where appropriate in the relevant sections of the Plan. Some PPGs include important principles which have been reflected in the Plan, especially within the strategic or Part I policies, as detailed below. Many PPG's are now subject to review, in preparation for the introduction of the new planning system, and will be renamed PPS's (Planning Policy Statements).(6)

PPG1: General Policy and Principles

1.9.2

This emphasises the contribution of the planning system to achieving sustainable development. It identifies ways in which mixed-use development can be promoted to help create vitality and diversity and reduce the need to travel. The guidance also stresses the importance of encouraging good design which can help promote sustainable development, improve the quality of the environment and new buildings, attract business and investment and reinforce civic pride and a sense of place.

PPG3: Housing

1.9.3

This guidance highlights the need to meet the housing requirements of the whole community, including those in need of affordable and special needs housing. It emphasises the need for a better mix in the size, type and location of housing in order to create mixed communities. Priority should be given to the reuse of previously developed land within urban areas, bringing empty houses back into use and converting existing buildings in preference to the development of greenfield sites.

Page 8

1.9.4

The guidance also considers that in order to reduce car dependence over time that improvements are required to linkages by public transport between housing, jobs, local services and amenities and through planning for mixed use. New housing and residential environments should be well designed and should make a significant contribution to promoting urban renaissance and improving the quality of life of all the community. Finally, the guidance requires local authorities to encourage development which makes more efficient use of land (between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare) and to seek greater intensity of development at places with good public transport accessibility.

PPG6: Town Centres and Retail Development

1.9.5

One of the main policies introduced in this guidance is the 'sequential approach' to selecting sites for new development, especially shopping and major office and leisure uses. This approach means that the first preference should be for town centre sites, followed by edge-of-centre sites, district and local centres and only then out-of-centre locations that are accessible by a choice of means of transport.

1.9.6

The guidance draws attention to the importance of local centres in meeting people's day-to-day shopping and other needs within their neighbourhoods, it promotes mixed use development and good urban design and emphasises the importance of coherent city and town centre parking strategies in maintaining a centre's vitality and viability. Draft Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres was published in December 2003 for consultation. (7)

PPG13: Transport

1.9.7

This guidance seeks to promote more sustainable transport choices and to reduce the need to travel, especially by car. In order to deliver these objectives the guidance stresses the importance of linked strategies within the Local Transport Plan and the Development Plan. It also states that Plans should focus major generators of travel demand in city, town and district centres or near to major public transport interchanges.

1.9.8

It considers that priority should be given to people over traffic in centres, other areas of mixed use and local neighbourhoods and that parking policies should be used to promote sustainable transport choices.

Urban White Paper

1.9.9

In November 2000 the Government published an Urban White Paper entitled "Our Towns and Cities: The Future Delivery: An Urban Renaissance". The vision set out in the White Paper is of an "urban renaissance which will benefit everyone, making towns and cities vibrant and successful places where people will choose to live, and helping protect the countryside from development pressure". Particular aims are:

people sharing the future of their community, supported by strong and truly representative local leaders;
people living in attractive, well-kept towns and cities which use space and buildings well;
good design and planning which makes it practical to live in a more environmentally sustainable way, with less noise, pollution and traffic congestion;
town and cities able to create and share prosperity, investing to help all their citizens reach their full potential; and
good quality services - health, education, housing, transport, finance, shopping, leisure and protection from crime - that meet the needs of people and businesses wherever they are.

The UDP through its policies and proposals can play a part in helping to achieve this.

Page 9

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.10 Regional And Sub-Regional Context

Regional Planning Guidance for the West Midlands

1.10.1

The regional context for the UDP Review is provided by 'Regional Planning Guidance for the West Midlands' (RPG 11) issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment in April 1998. The Guidance establishes a vision for the Region which aims to reconcile people's aspirations for economic development and rising living standards with the creation of a safe and pleasant environment, through the medium of sustainable development. A strategy based upon sustainability is:

not only about environmental issues
not about stopping new development
about how change and new development is managed
not just about physical and economic development but includes social, cultural and community development
focused on quality of life
based on the notion that the needs of future generations are as important as today's needs.

1.10.2

The Guidance encourages local authorities to promote sustainability principally by integrating transport and land use in their plans - locating development where it will reduce the number and length of journeys made. Councils are encouraged to maximise the capacity of existing urban areas, particularly by promoting the use of derelict or previously developed sites - a precursor of subsequent national targets issued by the Government for the proportion of housing to be accommodated on previously developed land. Well over a third of all new housing and employment development should be accommodated within metropolitan areas and any proposals in development plans to release 'greenfield sites' must demonstrate that there are no feasible alternatives within the existing built-up area, subject to the need to protect valuable open spaces. "Only in exceptional circumstances" should changes to Green Belt boundaries be considered, although boundaries should make allowance for anticipated land needs beyond the plan period and it is acknowledged that exceptionally boundaries might be redrawn "where development can significantly contribute to the objective of reducing the need to travel".

1.10.3

In terms of location, the Guidance promotes a 'corridors' strategy. Development which attracts a large number of trips, such as offices and other intensive employment uses, and major shopping and leisure development, is to be located in centres, where it will be well served by public transport. Housing and similar travel generating uses that cannot be accommodated in centres are to be located as far as possible within public transport corridors. The corridors identified include the Birmingham-Wolverhampton-Telford and Birmingham-Wolverhampton-Stafford rail corridors (both of which have subsequently been the subject of joint studies), along with existing and potential Midland Metro lines and "road corridors that have the potential to accommodate fast and frequent bus services". Specific guidance for the Black Country sub-region also emphasises the potential to retain and build upon the characteristic pattern of local centres and intermixture of housing and employment uses, which enables many people to walk to work. The 'green wedges' also bring recreational opportunities within easy reach of much of the urban population.

Page 10

1.10.4

Also of particular relevance to Wolverhampton is the intention of the Guidance that development plan policies should promote a more equal distribution of economic opportunities across the West Midlands. This involves encouraging employment-led growth in the north and west of the region (which includes the Black Country) to balance the generally more buoyant and under-pressure south and east. The strategy requires in particular a strengthening of the employment base of the Black Country and has major implications in terms of improving the portfolio of employment sites in this part of the Region.

1.10.5

Specific aspects of the Guidance are referred to in more detail in the individual topic sections of this document.

Regional Planning Guidance Review

1.10.6

The existing West Midlands Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) is currently under review. This new RPG will cover the period up to 2021, it will however be subject to further reviews. It is anticipated that the final Guidance will be published in spring / early summer 2003. A number of the emerging policies and proposals, where appropriate, have been reflected in the UDP review. The Wolverhampton UDP review only covers the period up to 2011 and therefore longer term proposals, such as housing provision allocations post-2011 have not been included. In any event the Government are proposing radical changes to the development plan system, which will have major implications for both Regional and Local Planning (see 1.3).

1.10.6

The existing West Midlands Regional Planning Guidance (RPG11) is currently under review. A number of the emerging policies and proposals have, where appropriate, been reflected in the UDP review. The new RPG11, due to be published in 2004, will cover the period up to 2021. However, the First Secretary of State has acknowledged that the draft RPG11 is insufficiently regionally specific in places and intends that an early review of certain aspects will be undertaken in 2004/5. Key to informing this process of review will be the on-going Black Country Sub-Regional Study, to be taken forward by the Black Country Consortium (see 1.10.14). (8)

Regional Economic Strategy

1.10.7

The Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands (AWM) completed the first Regional Economic Strategy (RES) in October 1999. Key themes emerging from this strategy, which are backed up by specific aims are as follows:

developing a diverse and dynamic business base
promoting a learning and skilful region
creating the right conditions for growth
regenerating communities in the West Midlands

1.10.8

An Agenda for Action has been published based on the themes and associated aims. A Strategy and Action Plan is currently being developed to take forward the original 10 year vision and will be published in 2004. The RES also introduced the concept of Regeneration Zones. A large part of Wolverhampton is included in the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Regeneration Zone (see Map 2.1). The aim of the zone is to create a direct link between investment opportunities, the creation of wealth and community regeneration. The zone will provide a focus for regeneration funding from a range of sources including AWM and Europe. (9)

Page 11

1.10.9

A Zone Executive Steering Group / Board has been established to act as the Partnership Agency for the zone, drawing on existing structures. The Partnership has prepared a vision, a set of priorities and an Implementation Plan for the zone (ZIP). The detailed implications of the Agenda for Action and the ZIP are set out in Chapter 9: Business and Industry in Part II of the Plan.

The West Midlands Local Transport Plan

1.10.10

The proper integration of transportation and land use planning is crucial to the quality of life of local people and to the regeneration of Wolverhampton's economy. The West Midlands Local Transport Plan 2000-2005 2003-2011 (LTP) seeks to identify what is needed to allow the West Midlands Metropolitan area to achieve a world-class transport system. The Vision is for a thriving, sustainable, safe community, with city, town and local centres that are attractive and where businesses can develop and grow. High quality public transport will be the norm and walking and cycling will be encouraged in a safe and secure environment. (10)

1.10.11

In support of objectives identified by Government within the Transport Bill and its 10 Year Transport Plan, and in support of the overall regional strategy for transport, the LTP sets out the following five main objectives and identifies a range of proposals and programmes that support these objectives:

To ensure that the transport system underpins the economic revitalisation of the West Midlands Metropolitan Area;
To ensure that transport contributes towards social inclusion by increasing accessibility for everyone;
To move towards a more sustainable pattern of development and growth;
To improve safety and health for all;
To integrate all forms of transport with each other, with other land uses and with other policies and priorities.

1.10.12

The LTP forms the bid from the seven West Midlands metropolitan authorities to Government for resources for local transport improvements for the period 2001-2006 2003-2006 with indicative policies and programmes to 2011. It has been revised prepared in the light of the findings of the West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study and Regional Planning Guidance in order to address more expansive agenda required to meet their objectives. The LTP objectives, strategy, relevant programmes and specific schemes within the City are reflected throughout the Plan. (11)

The West Midlands Area Multi Modal Study and Regional Transport Strategy

1.10.13

Government commissioned a number of Multi-Modal studies in response to the growing severity of transport problems and competing demands on the nation's transport network. The recommendations of the West Midlands Area Study have been used to inform the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), which is included within the Regional Planning Guidance Review. The recommendations include a comprehensive package of measures for public transport, the strategic road network and to encourage walking and cycling. A key element of the package is the need for a 'hearts and minds' campaign to inform and encourage people to make lifestyle changes to encourage the use of non-car modes for some journeys. The aim of the RTS is to create a Region with an efficient network of integrated transport facilities and services to fully support the RPG Spatial Strategy, reduce the impact of transport on the environment and meet the needs of both individuals and the business community in the most sustainable way. The Regional Vision for Transport will therefore be achieved by ensuring that:

Page 12

Improved transport choices are provided to enhance peoples' quality of life
The need for travel for essential goods and services is reduced
Journey reliability on strategic transport networks is improved
Transport capacity in the Major Urban Areas is improved significantly to support the Regional economy

Black Country and Environs Regeneration and Accessibility Study

1.10.14

The Black Country Consortium, together with regional partners led by the Regional Planning Body (the West Midlands Local Government Association) are undertaking a major sub-regional study to identify what accessibility improvements will be required in the short, medium and long term to support sustainable regeneration.

1.10.15

The First Secretary of State proposes that this study should advise on a broad range of issues, This study will also focus on matters raised by the Regional Planning Guidance Review Panel (in its report published October 2002) including "urban capacity, identification of employment land, scope for environmental and town centre improvements and ways of improving access to regeneration sites, particularly on its eastern side." The Black Country authorities are committed to radical proposals to achieve the "step change" required to deliver urban renaissance in the Black Country, as set out in the Black Country vision. The final study outcomes, when published in late 2003 / early 2004 2004, will be used to inform and influence government, regional and other plans and spending programmes. This work will have a major impact on the preparation of the first Wolverhampton Local Development Framework. (12)

Top of chapter

Return to contents

1.11 Local Context

1.11.1

The UDP review has not been prepared in isolation. There are a number of other important strategies and policy documents prepared by the Council, other agencies and partnerships which have direct links to and impact upon the Plan's policies and proposals.

The Council's Corporate Plan

1.11.2

This City Council's Corporate Plan closely reflects the Wolverhampton Community Plan (see below). It also includes corporate performance management priorities and ways in which the organisation is striving for continuous improvement. Community Plan preparation became a statutory requirement for local authorities through the Local Government Act 2000.

The Wolverhampton Community Plan (2002-2012)

1.11.3

The Community Plan presents a vision of how the quality of life for all the people of Wolverhampton can be improved over the next 10 years. The first Community Plan was published in May 2002. The actions and targets within the plan have been put together by the Wolverhampton Partnership, made up of different organisations that form the strategic alliance within the City. The jointly agreed aim is for - "Wolverhampton to be a culturally diverse and sustainable City that is recognised nationally and internationally as a principle City of the region".

Page 13

1.11.4

The priorities for action are set out under the following key themes:

A safe City
A green City
A healthy City
A wealth-creating City
A learning City
A caring City
A City of communities and neighbourhoods.

1.11.5

The UDP has a role to play in providing the planning, development, land use and transportation policy and proposal framework to help in achieving a number of the detailed actions within the Community Plan. Indicators set out in Chapter 3 will also inform the review and future development of some aspects of the Community Plan, and provide a guide to the success or otherwise of some of the actions and targets.

1.11.6

The vision, objectives, guiding principles and policies set out in the UDP reflect those themes, actions and targets that are relevant and appropriate in the context of a land use and transportation plan.

Local Agenda 21 Strategy

1.11.7

Local Agenda 21 Strategies were developed from the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992. They are seen as a key means of developing sustainability at a local scale. Sustainable Development is defined as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" (The Brundtland definition). Wolverhampton's first Local Agenda 21 Strategy was launched in 1999 and adopted by the City Council as a key strategic document. Over 250 individuals working in 9 theme areas produced the Strategy:

The Built Environment
Community Participation and Education
Energy Conservation · Health Poverty and Equality
Local Economy and Employment
The Natural Environment
Pollution and Waste Management
Safety and Transportation

1.11.8

A review of progress was undertaken in September 2001, which included reporting on over 170 indicators. A second version of the Strategy, updated from the review, is available in electronic format on the Council website www.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Wolverhampton Regeneration Strategy

1.11.9

The Wolverhampton Strategic Partnership, comprising of key agencies within the City, launched its first Regeneration Strategy in November 1999. This sets out a vision for Wolverhampton over the next 10 years, as follows.

1.11.10

By 2010 Wolverhampton will be:

a principal city in the Region
a modernised, innovative sustainable manufacturing centre with a thriving modern service sector providing quality public and private services
a centre of technologically advanced industry with global markets
an environmentally-friendly city, continually striving for environmental improvements and encouraging nationally recognised environmental innovation
an international, culturally diverse city
a centre of excellence in culture, sport and leisure providing attractions and facilities during the day and evening, for a wide range of people
a learning city where people, organisations and businesses want to learn and have access to excellent education services
a clean, safe and healthy city
a place where poverty and deprivation is rapidly becoming a feature of the past
a city that values its young people, providing opportunities for them to achieve their full potential

Page 14

1.11.11

The strategy identifies five strategic objectives which will be the subject of more detailed Action Plans over the coming years:

Economic Competitiveness
Sustainable environment
Social cohesion
Lifelong Learning
Improving the Quality of Life

1.11.12

Creating the right planning policy framework through the Unitary Development Plan Review is considered to be one of the key elements to the successful implementation of the strategy and associated future action plans.

Housing Strategy

1.11.13

The Wolverhampton Housing Strategy 2002-5 defines the Council's priorities for improving living conditions for the people of Wolverhampton. It identifies the key issues driving the need to change and reflects the City Council's corporate strategic objectives in supporting the regeneration of local communities by addressing the following issues:

Understanding how the housing market works
Responding to area based regeneration strategies and action
Investing in the Cities housing stock
Improving protection for homeless and vulnerable people
Establishing and strengthening relationships with a range of stakeholders

1.11.14

A Housing Business Plan complements the Housing Strategy by examining the investment needs of Council housing and service delivery over a 30-year period. The Neighbourhood Renewal and Housing Strategy service works very closely with a range of partners, including internally the Planning Service.

1.11.15

The Council is establishing has established a Wolverhampton Housing Partnership. This will be based around a multi-disciplinary approach to neighbourhood renewal and will address both development and environmental issues. The main functions objectives of the Partnership are will be to:

Establish a vision and plan for the redevelopment of low demand unpopular areas and associated communities across all tenures, linked to the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
Address practical policy issues relating to the restructuring of existing Council and private sector housing stock within the context of changing markets, low demand and abandonment.
Place the above factors within the wider social remit of health, education and employment.
Review the impact of change and social exclusion on more stable communities in the City to ensure that they are not destabilised by the regeneration process in other parts of Wolverhampton.

To develop a detailed understanding of housing demand and supply (public and private sectors) in Wolverhampton;
Link development options into relevant community regeneration intitiatives e.g. neighbourhood renewal, specific site briefs, master and action plans;
Examine and progress phased development and improvement options for failing housing markets and areas;
Develop best practices which can be used to create sustainable neighbourhoods reflecting both local, regional and sub-regional aspirations;
Produce prioritised investment plans for the selected areas. (13)

Page 15

1.11.16

The UDP policies and proposals will play their part in the above process through, for example:

Planning policies and proposals that will assist in the regeneration of the City and help to steer new development to sustainable locations.
Setting the land use and development policy framework for dealing with housing planning applications, future development briefs and local Action Plans
Allocating land for new housing development
Providing the planning context for affordable housing provision and protecting and enhancing the local environment in respect of recreational open space, etc.
Policy guidance for enhancing local services and amenities through the implementation of appropriate planning obligations.

Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy

1.11.17

Wolverhampton's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (NRS), published in May 2002, sets out the framework for joint action by public agencies, local communities, voluntary and community organisations and businesses to improve the quality of life in the City's most deprived neighbourhoods. It forms part of the national strategy for neighbourhood renewal, which has the aim that:

" In 10-20 years, no one will be seriously disadvantaged by where they live"

1.11.18

The NRS is based on an extensive analysis of deprivation and of previous regeneration initiatives, and suggests that 'closing the gap' in the quality of life between neighbourhoods requires an integrated and co-ordinated approach. The needs of particular neighbourhoods and the priorities of the people who live there have to be identified and local action plans jointly agreed and implemented. The Strategy and subsequent action focuses on 29 'Priority Neighbourhoods'.

1.11.19

As part of developing and testing the strategy the Wolverhampton Strategic Partnership is supporting 6 7 Neighbourhood Management pilot clusters in the City with the aid of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. In addition, the All Saints and Blakenhall Community Development New Deal for Communities delivery plan will adopt a neighbourhood management approach. (14)

1.11.20

The UDP will assist in this process through the type of activity referred to under the Housing Strategy section (see 1.11.16).

Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy (2002-2005)

1.11.21

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a duty on local authorities and the police to work together with other partners and local people to develop and implement a strategy for reducing crime and promoting community safety in their areas. A Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy for Wolverhampton was published in May 1999 and is subject to regular review. A revised strategy, covering the period 2002-2005 was approved in June 2002.

Page 16

1.11.22

The aims of the Strategy are to help:

reduce crime
reduce anti-social behaviour
improve community safety
reduce people's fear of crime

1.11.23

Planning has an important role to play in achieving these aims. The design and layout of new development and parking areas, the type and location of landscaping schemes, pedestrian access within a development and to adjoining areas, neighbourhood surveillance and mixed uses which create activity throughout the day all have a bearing on community safety. The prevention of crime is also a material consideration when determining planning applications.

The Council's Equality Scheme

1.11.24

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 gives public authorities a new statutory duty to promote racial equality. The general duty of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act requires the Council to:

Eliminate discrimination
Promote equality of opportunity
Promote good race relations

1.11.25

The Council's Equality Scheme was produced in September 2002 to implement the requirements of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. The Scheme is based upon the six specific duties set out in the Act:

monitor existing functions and policies for any adverse impact and act on the results
assess and consult on the potential impact of proposed policies
publish results of the monitoring, assessments and consultations
ensure that all sections of the public have access to information about Council services and to the services they require
train staff responsible for managing and delivering the Scheme
review employment

1.11.26

The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) (DDA) and subsequent Code of Conduct requires that any individual or organisation providing goods, facilities or services should not discriminate against disabled people. In preparing the UDP, carrying out the consultation exercise, and using its policies to determine planning applications, the Council must ensure that the Plan is considered in terms of its impact upon the DDA.

Cultural Strategy

1.11.27

Wolverhampton is a culturally diverse city in terms of its population and the range of facilities available to residents and visitors. A rich cultural life helps to support economic regeneration, encourage the widest participation and improves the quality of life of local people. The Council and its partners have published a Cultural Strategy for the City, which will form the basis for future action to improve and encourage increased participation in all forms of cultural activity.

Page 17

1.11.28

The Cultural Strategy mission statement is: "To encourage the provision of high quality cultural services for the community that compare with the best in the country. The Council will work with everyone who wants a better cultural future for our City. Our actions will be driven by the concerns and needs of local people".

1.11.29

The strategy sets out a series of actions and milestones under the following key areas:

Profile and promotion
City-wide Development
Local Development
More Information
Access
Talents and opportunities
A City for the Future

1.11.30

The UDP can assist in the implementation of the strategy in a number of ways. The first UDP adopted in 1993, for example, laid the foundations for the successful development of the City Centre Entertainment and Cultural Quarters. Cultural activities and associated facilities provide employment and enjoyment for many local people. These include opportunities offered by the city's leisure and nightlife, tourism, media and creative industries, arts and crafts studios, sport and recreation, museums, art galleries and theatres and important facilities at many of the city's educational establishments.

1.11.31

Most cultural facilities outside of the home require a building or other space in which to undertake a particular activity. In many cases planning permission will be required, for example for commercial leisure development, new changing rooms in order to utilise sports pitches more effectively and changes of use of shop to a restaurant or bar. The UDP provides the policy framework within which specific development proposals will be determined.

1.11.32

Within local neighbourhoods community halls, school buildings or similar premises are used by the community for a wide range of cultural and other activities. Safeguarding the future of such local facilities whilst at the same time protecting the amenity of local residents are important planning policy considerations.

Tourism Strategy

1.11.33

Wolverhampton's first tourism strategy has been developed in an attempt to provide a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to tourism in the City. The strategy covers the next five years and examines all of the main areas of tourism in the town, such as our key markets, the tourism infrastructure, the branding and image of the town, communication and information and the organisation of tourism, including the establishment of a Wolverhampton Marketing Partnership. Each of the main sections includes key actions to ensure progress is made, with the implementation of the tourism strategy being overseen by the Wolverhampton Marketing Partnership.

REASONS FOR PROPOSED CHANGES